Hacker News Reader

Comment by jetti | Hacker News Reader

That is a good use for them. Recently I saw one on a company's van which just baffled my mind. I don't know if they wanted somebody to come up while the van was parked and scan the QR code but it was just stupid and goes in line with what the article is saying.

View on HN

My favorite New York subway ad (besides Zizmor) is something like "Have bedbugs?" and it offers you some "bedbugs apps" if you scan it, which is great because:

1. I've recently been looking for a good way to let a crowded train know that I probably have bedbugs on my clothing.

2. Internet access is really good underground.

I'm afraid I can top you in "worst use of QR on underground travel" (this one in London): https://p.twimg.com/AneZAsiCAAATy1Q.jpg:large

They never learn... Some time ago (early/mid 90s I think) there was a particular problem with pickpockets in the Kings Cross area so an awareness campaign was started with similar posters. The problem got worse. Why? Often people walking past the posters would, consciously or otherwise, check the pockets their wallet or other valuables were in - this helped improve an observant pick-pocket's hit rate.

I know what I'm going to do in Chicago! I'll buy an ad like that near one of the CTA platforms and stand around it and as people come by and try to scan it, I'll pick their wallets.

yeah, I work with text messaging, i.e. "text XXXX to #####" and while I love seeing it places, when I see it on the train I say wtf? But I guess people can draft the message and send it when they go above ground? I wonder if that is the same for QR codes on the train....

Reply on news.ycombinator.com